Autoinflammatory Diseases

Unlike autoimmunity, which is caused by self-reactive T cells, innate immune cells (e.g., monocytes, macrophages, and granulocytes) are responsible for autoinflammation. Symptoms can range from temporary fever, rash, and joint swelling to bone deformity, blindness, mental retardation, and severely impaired immune responses. In collaboration with neighboring labs at Wayne State University, the Sebzda lab is studying gene-targeted mouse models of autoinflammation that replicate phenotypes found in human patients. This is an exciting new avenue of research that may lead to new therapies to treat these devastating diseases.